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How to say 'Honorific' in Japanese | 様

Wondering how to say 'Honorific' in Japanese? You're in the right place!

The Japanese word for Honorific is 'Sama', written as 様 in Japanese.'Honorific' in hiragana is さま.

    word

    Meaning

    Honorific

    Reading

    さま

    sama

    Kanji

    Way, Form

    Explanation

    The Japanese suffix '様 (さま)' is an honorific used to show respect or politeness towards someone. It is more formal than the common suffix 'さん' and is often used in formal settings, business contexts, or when addressing someone of higher status. For example: Thank you, Mr. Tanaka「田中様、ありがとうございます」(たなかさま、ありがとうございます). This is for the customer「お客様へのものです」(おきゃくさまへのものです). It can also be used in written correspondence or on packages to show respect. While it is most commonly attached to names, it can also be used with titles or roles, such as 'お客様 (おきゃくさま)' (honored guest/customer).

    Part Of Speech

    suffix

    Kanji JLPT

    N3

    Kanji Grade

    3

    Frequency

    54

    Composition

    kanji

    Handwriting

Kanji in the Word

This word contains 1 kanji character:

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Way, Form

Words Related to Through the Kanji

These 13 Words contain the Kanji 様 as well.

  • word

    様子

    Meaning

    Appearance, Situation

  • word

    同様

    Meaning

    Same

  • word

    仕様

    Meaning

    Specification

  • word

    皆様

    Meaning

    Everyone

  • word

    多様

    Meaning

    Diverse

  • word

    様々

    Meaning

    Various

  • word

    模様

    Meaning

    Appearance, Pattern

  • word

    様式

    Meaning

    Style, Format

  • word

    神様

    Meaning

    God

  • word

    王様

    Meaning

    King

  • word

    奥様

    Meaning

    Wife

  • word

    有り様

    Meaning

    State, Condition

  • word

    異様

    Meaning

    Strange

Learn the Word

Let's make sure you fully understand this word.

What does 'Sama' (様) mean?

'Sama' means 'Honorific' .

To help you master this word, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.